Shorten Your Job Search with These Strategies

By IBT Staff Reporter On 04/16/09 AT 5:26 PM

DearSam:I recently graduated from college and have been job hunting for the past threemonths but am not getting any results. My problem is that I have little workexperience. How can I make my résumé eye-catching to employers? – Emily

DearEmily: I wish there was a formula to predict the lengthof a job search, but the success of each candidate’s search depends on numerousfactors. One thing is for sure, though; the better prepared you are, the morelikely you are to shorten the length of your search. Selecting an objective forwhich you are qualified, creating a strong and targeted résumé, sharpening yourinterviewing skills, and exhausting all search options, will help get your footin the door and land that job sooner.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the average length ofunemployment is about 5 months; a recent study of more than 400professionals and executives found a job search took one month for every$20,000 candidates earned in annual salary in their former position. There isno question a job search is a long and often laborious process, and with thethought of months of searching on the horizon, I’m sure you’ll agree taking aproactive approach to preparing for a search is not an option, but a necessity.

Many factors canimpact the success and length of your search including selecting realisticobjectives and remaining flexible to opportunities, titles, and compensationlevels. Keep in mind that some factors are outside of your control, such as thedemand in your industry or for your particular skill set, the economic climate,and the personal preferences of each hiring manager. So how do you shorten thelength of your search?

Define Your Goal – Besure you understand your goal, and you clearly identify your transferableskills, as a hiring manager won’t have time to relate past experiences tocurrent interests. Don’t get trapped into creating a one-size-fits-all résumé;instead, define a primary objective and refocus your résumé to meet the needsof secondary goals. If you try to create one résumé for multiple objectives,the result will be a diluted presentation of your candidacy to each hiringmanager. Asa recent graduate with little or no work experience, you must sell your degreeand the coursework you have completed, along with the skills you havedemonstrated in the class or during the little experience you may have had asit relates to your objective.

Develop a “Value-Based” Résumé – Your résumé needs to sell your value to a hiring manager. Don’tdevelop a résumé that simply serves as a narrative of your background. Instead,prioritize engagements, responsibilities, and achievements based on yourobjective, making sure you are marketing your candidacy effectively andanswering the hiring manager’s question of why he or she should interview you.Follow up-to-date protocols in formatting your résumé, beginning with aqualifications summary, not an objective statement. Also, be sure your résumélooks professional and “meaty” and isn’t formatted using an overused template.The summary should tell the hiring manager about your core qualifications,experiences, and achievements that position you to perform in your professionof choice. (Think about team projects you may have led, extracurricularactivities you were involved in, or even skills you demonstrated while jugglingpart-time work and school.) Remember, recent studies estimate the screeningprocess to be as short as 7 seconds, so this summary is critical in gettingyour foot in the door.

Diversify Your Search – Job boards and newspaper classified ads should always form thefoundation of your search, but there are also other methods you can use toexpand your search. Networking is a great way to find unadvertised positions orto gain valuable referrals for posted opportunities. If you don’t have anextensive network, think about joining a local professional organization,community group, church organization, or civic league. Don’t be afraid to senda “cold contact” letter asking for an opportunity, regardless of whether one isposted.

Prepare for the Interview – Give your friends and family members your résumé and have them “quiz”you on different aspects of your background. Develop scripts for the questionsyou have struggled with in past interviews. Record yourself so you can watchyour interview and analyze your verbal communication and nonverbal cues. Andnever turn down an opportunity to interview. The more practice you get, themore confident you will be when the interview for your dream job comes along.

Remain Positive – While this might be easier said than done, it is critical you remainpositive during your search. Keeping a good attitude will help maximize yoursuccess.